Building Israel’s Strategic Future TogetherThrough the IGT Onward program, outstanding U.S. university students joined IDSF researchers in
Jerusalem to tackle real-world national security and policy challenges.
JERUSALEM – Over the past month, the Institute for Security Policy at the Israel Defense and Security Forum (IDSF) hosted a select group of
outstanding university students from across the United States for an intensive, hands-on research collaboration.
Arriving through the IGT Onward program, the cohort was integrated directly into the Institute’s professional research environment. Led by Yishai
Gelb, Senior Research Fellow and Project Lead, the immersive initiative bypassed traditional academic exercises in favor of applied research with
direct relevance to current Israeli policy and national planning.
Throughout the program, the American participants worked alongside senior Israeli researchers to analyze critical national and regional challenges.
Their research focused on strengthening Israel’s strategic posture, mapping national assets, evaluating energy security, and exploring regional
economic connectivity. Additionally, the students helped develop diplomatic and economic frameworks designed to enhance Israel’s position within the
Middle East and the broader international arena.
“Bridging world-class academic talent with real-world strategic planning is vital for Israel’s long-term resilience. These brilliant young minds from the
U.S. brought fresh, sophisticated perspectives to complex regional challenges, proving that international collaboration remains a cornerstone of our
strategic future.” Yishai Gelb.
The final research projects demonstrated sophisticated strategic foresight, generating valuable policy insights that will contribute directly to IDSF’s
ongoing initiatives. Beyond the immediate research outputs, the collaboration reflects the Institute’s broader commitment to investing in the nextgeneration of Jewish, Israeli, and international leadership, cultivating future policymakers who possess a nuanced understanding of the region and a
lasting commitment to Israel’s global standing.
By combining applied research, policy innovation, and international engagement, the Institute for Security Policy continues to advance its mission of
shaping strategic thinking to ensure a stronger, more secure, and more resilient State of Israel.
About the Israel Defense and Security Forum (IDSF): The Institute for Security Policy at IDSF serves as a leading center for applied strategic
research, dedicated to advancing Israel’s national security, regional integration, and long-term strategic resilience. Through rigorous research, policy
development, and international cooperation, the Institute provides decision-makers and strategic partners with forward-looking analyses and practical
recommendations.